As the Catholic Church across the world marked the Sunday of the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, also known as All Souls’ Sunday, Rev. Fr. Marcel Ajoket delivered a touching homily urging Christians to live humble lives and prepare themselves spiritually for death.
Preaching during the Holy Mass, Fr. Ajoket reflected deeply on the significance of remembering the dead, reminding believers that repentance and reconciliation with God cannot be sought after death.
“It’s hard to request for repentance when you are in the tomb,” he said, calling on the faithful to make peace with God while still alive.
The priest emphasized that human life on earth is temporary, and no one will live forever.
“We must accept the fact that no one is going to live forever in this world,” he noted, challenging Christians to live humbly and prepare for the inevitable moment of death.
Fr. Ajoket cautioned those who live recklessly and ignore their spiritual wellbeing, saying that death should not find them unprepared.
“When death comes, please go in peace and don’t be around again disturbing the living with your souls instead of going to be with God,” he said.
He explained that such restless souls often belong to those who failed to prepare themselves to meet God in peace.
The priest further encouraged Christians to always pray for the souls of the departed, stressing the importance of interceding for those who might still be undergoing purification.
“The living should pray to God to forgive the dead who are suffering after death, as they also prepare well so that they do not go to heaven to suffer after death,” he said.
He reminded the congregation that the bond between the living and the dead remains strong through prayer.
The Church’s tradition of offering Masses and prayers for the departed, he said, is a sign of love, compassion and hope in eternal life.
“When we pray for the dead, we also prepare our own souls, for one day, others will have to pray for us too,” he added.
Fr. Ajoket also condemned the growing attitude of indifference among some people toward life after death.
He warned against the careless talk of those who jokingly declare that they do not mind even if they end up in hell.
“There are people who are saying that, ‘Me, I don’t mind even if I go to hell,’” he said. “This kind of speech is dangerous and must be condemned. We should never take our salvation lightly.”
He urged the faithful to make good use of the sacraments, especially confession and the Eucharist, as means of sanctifying their lives and maintaining a close relationship with God.
“God is merciful, but He also expects us to be ready,” he reminded them. “The best way to prepare for death is to live each day as if it were your last, with love, forgiveness, and faithfulness to God.”
Fr. Ajoket’s message left the congregation reflecting deeply on their own spiritual journey and the need to live meaningfully.
He called upon Christians to use occasions like All Souls’ Day not only to remember the dead but also to renew their own commitment to holiness.
“All Souls’ Sunday is not just about mourning those who have gone before us,” he said. “It is about reminding ourselves that we too are on the same journey and one day, we shall stand before God. So let us live wisely, pray constantly and die peacefully.”
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